- They perform basic care maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, diagnose more complex problems, and plan and execute vehicle repairs.
- When mechanical or electrical troubles occur, technicians first get a description of the problem from the owner or, in a large shop, from the repair service estimator or service advisor who wrote the repair order.
- To locate the problem, technicians take a diagnostic approach.
- For example, if an air-conditioner malfunctions, the techician might look for a simple problem, such as low coolant level, or a more complex problem, such as bad drive-train connection that has shorted out the air conditioner.
- During routine survice inspections, technicians test and lubricate engines and other major components.
- Acquiring National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is important for those seeking work in large, urban areas.
- postsecondary automotive technician training programs usually provide intensive career preperation through a combination of classroom instruction and hands on practice.
- Various automobile manufacturers and participating franchised dealers also sponsor 2-year associate degree programs at postsecondary schools across the Nation.
- The number of jobs for automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow slower than average for all occupations.
- Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, slower than average for all occupations.
- In addition to openings for growth, many job openings will be created by the need to replace retiring technicians.
- Many experianced technicians employed by automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer.
- Employers frequently guarantee commissioned technicians a minimum weekly salary.
- Automotive service technicians and mechanics responsibilities have evovled from simple mechanic repairs to high level technology related work.
- service technicians use a variety of tools in their work.
- Technicians usually provide their own hand tools, and many experienced workers have thousands of dollars invested in them.
- High technology tools are needed to fix the computer equipment that operates everything from the engine to the radio in many cars.
- While in 2008, most automotive service technicians worked a standard 40 hour week , 24 percent worked longer hours.
- Some may work evenings and weekends to satisfy customer service needs.
- Generally, service technicians work indoors in well ventilated and well lighted work shops.
- Median hourly wages of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $16.88 in May 2008.
- The middle 50 percent earned between $12.44 and $22.64 per hour.
- The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.56, and the highest ten percent earned more than $28.71 per hour.
- Job opportunities are expected to be very good for those who complete postsecondary automotive training programs and who earn ASE certification.
- courses in automotive repair, electronics, physics, chemistry, english, computers, and mathmatics provide a good education background for a career as a service technician.
- Many experienced technicians emplayed by automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged on a customer.
- Computers are also commonplace in modern repair shops.
- Service technicians compare the readouts from computerized diagnostic testing devices with benchmarked standards given by the manufacturer.
- Deviations outside of acceptable levels tell the technician to investigate that part of the vehicle more closely.
- Employers furnish expensive power tools, engine analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment.
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